I love the old world charm of my Back Bay studio. The archways, custom cabinets, and vintage sink are such rare finds. Unfortunately, with that charm comes slanted floors, cracked plaster, visible pipes, and drafty windows. As I am only in Boston for a year, I've learned to live with the flaws and have avoided painting or structural repairs. Instead, I've focused on aspects of the apartment that I can take with me back to NYC, like furniture and decor. My limited budget, need for small-scale items, and appreciation for "old, good things" initiated my year of Craigslist DIY projects. Boston CL provided incredible finds. My DIYs this year included repairing, refinishing, and repurposing a mirrored console, a vintage bed frame, a 1920s singer sewing machine (into a new desk), and a late 1800s wash table with its original marble top (into a kitchen cart). Taking the time to bring new life to some very worn down furniture has given me a greater appreciation for my home and everything in it!